A former South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation agent is the second to run for the opening Lincoln County Sheriff's Office seat.

Jim Severson, 63, submitted his bid Monday morning. Severson was assigned to help with investigations in Lincoln County for the DCI. He started working as a Lincoln and Turner County deputy after retiring from the DCI in June 2017.

"I have served the people of the state for 36 years," Severson said Monday. "I have something to offer to the people in Lincoln County."

His main concern is trying to wrangle down the rising methamphetamine issue. With more people pouring into southern Sioux Falls, Harrisburg and Tea, they're seeing more crime, he said.

"The drug issue is the biggest thing," Severson said. "It continues to perpetuate more crimes. We're just trying to stay on top of it."

He also said he would like to increase deputy presence in schools to get to them "before there is a problem."

Severson is the second to announce his candidacy for the position, soon to be vacated by retiring 20-year veteran Sheriff Dennis Johnson. South Dakota Highway Patrol Sergeant Steve Swenson announced his candidacy in mid-January.

The 26-year Highway Patrol veteran had picked up the support of several members of Lincoln County law enforcement by the time Severson announced his candidacy.

Sgt. Steve Swenson of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Swenson is a candidate for Lincoln County Sheriff.(Photo: submitted photo)

Swenson issued a news release last week citing a letter of endorsement signed by Lincoln County State's Attorney Tom Wollman and one of his deputies, Mike Nadolski, as well as former State's Attorney Scott Abdallah, former U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson and several other former or current members of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. The letter also included the names of two state lawmakers and dozens of other Lincoln County residents and business owners.

Voters will weigh in on the next sheriff during the June 5 primary election.